The Cromwell, which opens in late May across from Caesar's Palace and the Bellagio fountain, is billing itself as the first luxury boutique hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.The Cromwell, which opens in late May across from Caesar's Palace and the Bellagio fountain, is billing itself as the first luxury boutique hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The Cromwell, which opens in late May across from Caesar's Palace...

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A standard room at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino. The Cromwell is the latest sign that visitors increasingly are seeking out boutique experiences in a town known from monster big-box resorts.
A standard room at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino. The Cromwell is the latest sign that visitors increasingly are seeking out boutique experiences in a town known from monster big-box resorts.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

A standard room at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip...

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Decor at the new Cromwell hotel is chic and quirky, including seemingly random patches of quotes in various languages.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

Decor at the new Cromwell hotel is chic and quirky, including...

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The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino.
The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new...

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The newish lobby at the Golden Gate, the oldest casino in Las Vegas, that has been revamping some of its rooms and image in hopes of attracting some of the visitors looking for a boutique experience in the increasingly hip Downtown area.
The newish lobby at the Golden Gate, the oldest casino in Las Vegas, that has been revamping some of its rooms and image in hopes of attracting some of the visitors looking for a boutique experience in the increasingly hip Downtown area.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The newish lobby at the Golden Gate, the oldest casino in Las...

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The El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of the famous El Cortez Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas that, despite being a standalone building across the street, is seen as a hotel-within-a-hotel property.
The El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip, boutique portion of the famous El Cortez in Downtown Las Vegas that, despite being a standalone building across the street, is seen as a hotel-within-a-hotel.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of the famous...

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Suite a the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of the famous El Cortez Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas that, despite being a standalone building across the street, is seen as a hotel-within-a-hotel property.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

Suite a the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of the...

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Part of a sprawling bedroom inside one of the Sky Villas at Aria hotel, a collection of hyper-upscale suites that have their own entrance, lobby, concierge and elevators, despite being inside the Aria tower.
Part of a sprawling bedroom inside one of the Sky Villas at Aria hotel, a collection of hyper-upscale suites that have their own entrance, lobby, concierge and elevators, despite being inside the Aria tower.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

Part of a sprawling bedroom inside one of the Sky Villas at Aria...

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The pre-stocked bar inside one of the Sky Villas at Aria hotel, a collection of hyper-upscale suites that have their own entrance, lobby, concierge and elevators, despite being inside the Aria tower.The pre-stocked bar in one of the Sky Villas at Aria hotel, a collection of hyper-upscale suites that have their own entrance, lobby, concierge and elevators, despite being inside the Aria tower.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The pre-stocked bar inside one of the Sky Villas at Aria hotel, a...

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A suite inside Hotel 32, an upscale collection of suites on the 32nd floor of the Monte Carlo Casino Resort that has its own entrance, front desk and elevators. Hotel 32 offers the "boutique experience" but at more affordable rates than some of the other hotel-within-a-hotel properties in Las Vegas.
A suite inside Hotel 32, an upscale collection of suites on the 32nd floor of the Monte Carlo Casino Resort that has its own entrance, front desk and elevators. Hotel 32 offers the "boutique experience" but at more affordable rates than some of the other hotel-within-a-hotel properties in Las Vegas.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

A suite inside Hotel 32, an upscale collection of suites on the...

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The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino.The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel on the Strip that once was the decidedly low-roller Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The dining area of one of the larger suites at The Cromwell, a new...

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The lobby of the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of the famous El Cortez Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas that, despite being a standalone building across the street, is seen as a hotel-within-a-hotel property.The lobby at the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip, boutique portion of the famous El Cortez in Downtown Las Vegas that, despite being a standalone building across the street, is seen as a hotel-within-a-hotel.

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

The lobby of the El Cortez Cabana Suites, a hip boutique portion of...

If pop culture and cliches are to be believed, the only time you notice the hallway carpet in a Las Vegas hotel is when you wake up face down on one. And even if it does catch your eye, you don't really expect to find wisdom from a 19th century Nobel Prize-winning French poet.

"En art comme en amour, l'instinct suffit (Whether it is art or love, your instinct will suffice)," trails up the artfully lit hallway in a bold font, along with a few dozen other quotes woven into the carpet of the newly opened Cromwell hotel.

It is, however, part of the growing number of "boutique experiences" - sophisticated, smaller, more personal lodging in a playland known more for sprawling "big-box resorts," over-the-top attractions and a permissive vibe that tends to favor instinct over love or art.

Although nearly nothing in Las Vegas fits the standard definition of "boutique" - fewer than 100 rooms - the term is being used here for smaller "lifestyle" hotels with a sense of whimsy, such as the Cromwell or the Artisan; for larger hotels with no casino and a higher level of personal attention, such as Vdara or Mandarin Oriental; as well as for the increasing number of "hotel-within-a-hotel" properties, including Nobu Hotel and the Four Seasons, inside Caesars and Mandalay Bay, respectively.

It's not so much a phase for Las Vegas as a newish item on the menu for those who, according to one expert, are looking for the nightlife and the good life on a more personal level - without the blazing lights or acres of casinos.

"For a while they were trying to build bigger and bigger boxes," says David Schwartz, director of the UNLV Center for Gaming Research. "As there's been more of an emphasis on different niche markets, they've gravitated toward the boutique experience."

"What you've seen with the recession is that the average domestic visitor isn't gambling as much as they used to," Schwartz says. "As these people are gambling less, you're trying to spin your product toward those people who are still spending money."

Those people, he says, fall into two groups: (1) business and convention visitors, who don't gamble as much, but have expense accounts to impress clients with shows and upscale restaurants; and (2) people who like to go to nightclubs.

The 188-room Cromwell, an extreme makeover of bargain hotel Barbary Coast (also Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon) across from Caesars and the Bellagio fountains, is not just the newest example, but according to Schwartz, is "pretty much the personification of all these trends." With the size and "vintage meets modern" quirky rooms, owner Caesars Entertainment is calling it "the first luxury boutique hotel on the Las Vegas Strip."

The Cromwell, which opened late last month, has a ground-floor casino, but it's the size of a utility closet compared to the gaming floors at neighboring resort hotels along the Strip. The real attractions, according to officials, will be the rooftop Drai's daytime "beach club" and chic nightclub overlooking the Strip, as well as Italian restaurant Giada, the project of celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis.

As well as quotes in the carpet by French poet Anatole France, apparently.

Nothing is "the newest" for very long in Las Vegas, however. On the horizon is hotel-within-a-hotel Delano at Mandalay Bay, a revamping of the THE Hotel set to open in fall; and the SLS Las Vegas (opening in August), although it's unclear at the moment if that property will fit even Vegas' idea of boutique.

What follows is a roll of the Las Vegas hotels that offer what can be considered boutique experiences.

1. Cabana Suites at El Cortez

Size and type: Stand-alone boutique property with 64 rooms. No casino, although check-in is in the El Cortez casino across the street.

Basics: With the revitalization of Fremont East district, the ancient El Cortez remodeled and rebranded a building across the street with in-your-face chic design and whimsy, including some rooms that were part of a design contest. Fun, funky place to crash while indulging in the revived Downtown.

2. Golden Gate Casino

Size and type: Collection of 16 luxury suites (number may go up as hotel continues to remodel) inside the Golden Gate Hotel on Fremont Street.

Basics: As Downtown sees new life, owners of the oldest hotel in Las Vegas have been revamping its image through boutique-style public spaces (including portions of the casino) and a new crop of luxury suites that are more akin to a W Hotel than the usual Fremont Street suspects. The rooms are contemporary meets Art Deco with comfy leather furniture and large prints of Vegas' legendary performers.

Good to know: The famous shrimp-cocktail counter is coming back, but the dish won't be 99 cents anymore.

3. Artisan Hotel Boutique

Size and type: Boutique hotel with 64 rooms, no casino.

Basics: Originally a Travelodge, the latest version is an ultra-hip off-Strip hangout heavy on bordello chic for the party crowd that doesn't need a casino. Includes a restaurant and ultra lounge, although online reviews of the restaurant are pretty lackluster.

Good to know: The pool, Naked, is popular for private parties, so it's not always open, even to guests. Oh, and it's "topless optional."

4. SLS Las Vegas

Basics: When it opens Aug. 23, SLS will stretch the "boutique" definition - but it's hallowed ground, so who cares? The uber-hip chain is remodeling the famed Sahara, once the hot spot of the Strip and movie set for the original "Ocean's Eleven" in 1960. Expect chic, celebrity-branded diversions, such as Bazaar Meat restaurant by Chef Jose Andres.

Good to know: In 1964, the Sahara paid the Beatles $25,000 to play two concerts at the convention center and stay at the hotel. Which rooms?

5. Laurel Collection at Caesars Palace

Basics: Offers luxury, service and privacy in the Octavius and Augustus Towers, away from the bustle and chaos of Caesars' massive casino. Laurel Collection guests have direct access to Garden of the Gods pool area.

Good to know: The 9,500-square-foot Marcus Aurelius Villa (Spanish Villa) starts at $25,000 per night.

6. Platinum Hotel

Size and type: Stand-alone "all-suite" hotel with 255 rooms and no casino.

Basics: Advertises itself as boutique, although in any other town it would likely be a business hotel. All suites have kitchens and dining areas and run 900 to 2,165 square feet. Decor is contemporary.

Good to know: It's two blocks off the strip, but on the plus side, they offer complimentary valet, no resort fees and free Wi-Fi.

7. Nobu Hotel

Size and type: 181 rooms as a separate hotel within Caesars Palace, with separate check-in, elevators and concierge.

Basics: Caesars Entertainment turned over part of the old Centurion Tower to be remodeled and rebranded for celebrity owners Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert de Niro to open the first Nobu Hotel. Sophisticated, contemporary design and amenities.

Good to know: You do have to navigate through the Caesars casino to the Nobu entryway. On the upside, room service meals are from the Nobu restaurant. And if you're looking for a view, say so. One side is pretty bleak.

8. Rumor Hotel Boutique

Basics: Off-Strip property that is a two-story loop of rooms around a central plaza and pool. Hip, whimsical decor in the rooms and public spaces (think shrunken Cosmopolitan, but more affordable).

Good to know: Sister property to Artisan with a lot of the same sensibilities, although the decor is more contemporary, less bordello. Also, should you get the urge to gamble, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is across the street.

12. Hotel 32 at Monte Carlo

Basics: A fire that gutted the top floors of the Monte Carlo in 2008 allowed the hotel to create a new and separate product on the 32nd floor that offers the "penthouse" suite experience, but at more affordable rates than elsewhere around town.

Good to know: Best suite is the penthouse, from $350 per night. You do have to navigate the casino.

9. Vdara

Size and type: 57-story tower with 1,495 suites, no casino.

Basics: Stylish glass tower hotel built in City Center with understated contemporary decor in the rooms and public spaces, but with boutique-level service. Smallish cafe is convenient; the understated pool is comparatively quiet; and the spa is comprehensive.

Good to know: Easy walk to Aria and Cosmopolitan if you need the usual Las Vegas diversions, and the hotel is next to the monorail that connects to Monte Carlo and Bellagio.

11. Mandarin Oriental

Size and type: Tower hotel with 392 rooms (not including condos), no casino.

Basics: High-end stand-alone hotel in City Center with boutique-level service and amenities, and several upscale restaurants and bars. The Spa is often named the best in Las Vegas (some spa rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass, which can be a little weird when you're naked).

Good to know: Traditional afternoon tea (with some nontraditional teas) is served in the Tea Lounge 1-5 p.m., and the Mandarin Bar offers live jazz on Sundays, 6-10 p.m.

14. Sky Lofts at MGM Grand

Basics: One-, two- and three-bedroom lofts from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet, with kitchen, dining room, living room and multiple bathrooms. This was among the earliest hotel-within-a-hotel concepts in town.

Good to know: You do have to navigate through the MGM Grand casino to get to the entry.

13. The Delano at Mandalay Bay

Basics: Formerly THE Hotel, currently being remodeled and rebranded with a decidedly Miami vibe for the boutique crowd too hip (or too young) for the Four Seasons. Separate entrance bypasses the casino.

Good to know: Will mimic the sensibilities and style (and price) of Delano South Beach.

15. Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay

Basics: An elegant, comparatively quiet alternative to the sprawling Mandalay Bay downstairs, with pretty much the boutique-level service and amenities you would expect from the luxury brand. One of the earliest hotel-within-a-hotel properties in Las Vegas. Entrance bypasses the casino.

Good to know: Has its own health club, parking, spa, lounges and restaurants, including Charlie Palmer Steak.